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[Drunk Talk 3] Shinhwa’s Junjin “I’m thankful just being able to participate in ‘Infinite Challenge’

Shinhwa welcomed their 20th birthday. It’s their 20th debut anniversary. Shinhwa debuted in 1998, and has released 13 studio albums in the past 20 years. While the mountains and rivers changed twice, and even through much complications, they have protected the name of Shinhwa, and received a lot of love as they released multiple hit tracks, starting with their debut song, ‘The Resolver’.

Shinhwa is the longest running idol group that is ‘currently active’ and has continuously promoted for 20 years, without even one member change. There are so many groups that have dissolved or experience member changes to the extent that the ‘idol 7 year jinx’ saying exists, and that is what makes Shinhwa’s 20th year shine even more.

The drunk talk interview was arranged with great difficulty, as Shinhwa was busy with preparations so that they can celebrate their 20th anniversary in an even more meaningful manner with the fans. It so happened that this interview was conducted on ‘Shin-dependence day’ (a phrase that combines Shinhwa and Independence day that fans use to commemorate the end of the trademark lawsuit, falls on 29 May), which was even more meaningful.

(continued from part 2)

- You’re preparing for a Shinhwa variety after JTBC’s ‘Shinhwa Broadcast’ Junjin: It was difficult when we first started it and there were many complications. This time I think we can do better because we’re more experienced. There are really a lot of different variety shows nowadays, and we’re thinking hard on what we should do that will be interesting. Even though just the fact that we’re doing a variety together with members who have promoted together for 20 years is in itself meaningful and will probably be fun.

- Season 1 of MBC’s ‘Infinite Challenge’ ended this year. Junjin, how did you feel when you heard season 1 was ending? Junjin: I really learnt a lot while filming ‘Infinite Challenge’. Being able to participate, for a period of time, in a variety program that is so loved, that alone is something I’m really thankful for. Personally, I’ve learnt a lot from the hyungs. When I appeared, we had a lot of physical challenges. Before I get any older, if there was a chance, I would like to try the physical challenges, such as bobsledding, together with the hyungs again.

- Eric became part of PD Na Youngseok’s team with tvN’s ‘Three Meals a Day’. How was doing a variety with him like? Eric: He is really excellent in his observations and understanding people. All these while, I’ve rejected a lot of varieties because I felt burdened having to be observed and showing my true self, without being aware and without putting on an act. But PD Na Youngseok observes and films without making me realise it. In the past 20 years, when I did varieties, the interviews always started with, ‘Alright, camera rolling, we’re doing the interview now’. But that team films the interview from far away, and zooms in the camera. You speak naturally because you’re mixed into the environment around you.

- In the past, people were often biased towards idol-turned-actors. How did you overcome that, and do you think you’re going on the path you want, as an actor? Eric: I am a singer-turned-actor but Dongwan is an actor-turned-singer. I think Dongwan doesn’t get asked as much of those questions as I do. There are a lot of singer-turned-actors now but back then, there weren’t so many. It is true that there is a negative view towards singer-turned-actors but I think entering into a project without being fully prepared for it also played a part. I use Mun Junghyuk when I’m acting because I don’t want to use Shinhwa’s name. But after time passed, I think that was arrogance on my part. I think at that time, I was determined to be responsible as an actor and lead the story, whether I am the main lead or not, and that’s why I acted as such. Now I just act with a comfortable feeling. Dongwan: Looking back, I think I have lived well as Shinhwa but I’m not sure how I have performed as an actor. And to be honest, I do have some regrets.

- Dongwan, I heard you started living in the countryside. Dongwan: I have moved from the house I showed in MBC’s “I Live Alone” to Gapyeong. If I get busy, I probably need to find a one-room suite in Seoul. People I work with says it’s tiring to be going back and forth. But in Gapyeong, I play with my neighbour’s dog, cut the grass, I do even more things. I had nothing to do so I even bought and installed a pull-up bar at home.

- What did you think when you see first generation idols that debuted together with you in the 90s reuniting? Minwoo: It looks good. There is someone who choreographed the dances for Sech Kies, Fin K.L, and even us. We still reminiscence about Dream Concert. One day, that person said it’d be fun if Shinhwa, god, H.O.T, Sech Kies, Fin K.L, S.E.S, all got together and held a festival-like concert at Seoul Olympic Stadium. I think it’ll be really fun. Eric: The main point of that concert will be the tension between the fans. It doesn’t seem so nowadays, with so many idols, but back in the days, each group had a clear rival group. The tension between the fans was huge back then. I think it’ll be fun if that happened during the concert. Dongwan: I hope anyone who reads this is report and is interested in investing will contact us. (laughs) Hyesung: I think anyone thinks about a collaboration like that. I’ve talked about it with Kangta too. We were saying it’d be fun if, at an awards ceremony, (Jang) Woohyuk and Minwoo appeared while doing a dance battle. It’s enjoyable just thinking about holding a concert with singers we have promoted with.

- Is there a title you’d like to have? Minwoo: People use the word ‘legend’ when you promote for a long time, so now, I’m just thankful for the phrase “legendary idols”. I want Shinhwa to be a legend of Korean idols because we’ve been here for 20 years. Don’t you think Shinhwa goes together nicely with the word ‘legend’? Eric: Shinhwa is Shinhwa. I think that is the best title. Andy: I go to the mountains often. There are old trees there. Trees look more awesome the older they are. I hope Shinhwa will become more awesome and have a rich aroma.

- You must feel a heavy sense of responsibility as the seniors and longest running idols Minwoo: Our juniors do very well nowadays. I’m really proud when BTS topped the Billboard charts. I’m close with (Bang) Sihyuk hyung and their choreographer. It is really impressive that they have come to where they are just with music and performance alone. They have an energy different from the one Shinhwa has, and they are writing a different legend from us, and I feel proud. Jungkuk ah, call me. (laughs)

- What will you be like, 20 years later? Hyesung: There’ll be members who have lesser hair than they have now, and members who walk crookedly but even so, I think we’d still be immature. I think we’d gather together, talk and still be pranking each other then. I think Junjin will still be annoying, even 20 years later. Junjin: Ey~ how can you call me annoying Hyesung: I’d like to continue to do as well as I have been doing.

- Is there a dream or goal that you haven’t attained yet? Minwoo: Instead of wanting more popularity or fame, I just really want to continue walking on this path that we are on now, because I like it so much. Maintaining this is the goal. Even when it’s our 30th or 40th anniversary, we don’t split up and do different things. We continue to work as Shinhwa, and also do our best in our individual work. The members are like family now. Dongwan often emphasises on health, and I’d really wish for the team to continue on, healthily. Dongwan: In the past, ‘let’s not get hurt’ was the goal, now, ‘let’s not die’ is the goal. Because as long as you’re not dead, you can do anything.

- Shinhwa to Shinhwa is? Hyesung: Family, and our heart. Minwoo: Shinhwa is our heart. It was beating in the past, it is beating now, and will continue to beat in the future. Eric: Shinhwa is Shinhwa. I hope that line alone explains everything.

sr: Ilgan Sports Translation by @malpabo Please take out with full credits

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